Maximizing available forage is a priority for any successful beef producer. Rotational grazing – a practice that can be implemented in a multitude of ways – is gaining popularity in every cattle-producing part of the country.

It took five years from concept to construction for Don-Mair Farms Ltd. of Mount Hope, Ontario, to start utilizing a compost-bedded pack barn, but owner Aaron Smith has been pleased with the outcome. This unique barn style has changed a few management aspects of the 80-cow herd but has proven to be a profitable change for the business.

Here are a few examples of how a manure-related limitation was flipped from a hindrance into a long-term solution with bottom-line benefits.